Equine Management & Equine Science

Why Ellsworth?

Ellsworth Community College's equine programs are currently ranked #2 in the nation by HorseSchools.com, an independent organization that takes into account everything from curriculum and facilities (take a "virtual tour" by clicking through the tour at the bottom of this page) to staffing and special experiences. Here's what you can look forward to in ECC's Equine Management and Equine Science programs:

• Train at least seven different, privately owned horses of all ages (you get paired with your first horse on the first day of class!).

• Take English and Western riding lessons, including riding patterns, jumping and other advanced maneuvers.

• Ride every day, depending on your class schedule. Between training and riding classes, you'll ride at least 2-3 times a day.

• Apply sound equine management practices as you help oversee the operation of the all new, state-of-the-art, climate controlled Ellsworth Equestrian Center.

• Participate in a variety of expos, clinics and events where you'll work with speakers and clinicians, register participants, participate by riding in clinics, and attend workshops.

• Participate in spring and fall shows, competing on horses you've trained while the owners watch and family members cheer you on!

• Attend the American Quarter Horse Congress in Ohio, AQHA World Show in Oklahoma, Midwest Horse Fair in Wisconsin, and Minnesota Horse Expo.

• Join the ECC Horse Judging Team to improve your judging skills and then be tested in collegiate competitions such as AQHA Congress, AQHA World Show and APHA Spring Sweepstakes.

Three great options

Working with horses is a lifelong passion for people who get into the fields of equine management and equine science. If you’ve always dreamed of having the knowledge to someday train or show horses, Equine Management (one-year or two-year programs available) is the program for you. If you'd like to someday manage your own equine business or work as a trainer, riding instructor, breeder, professional groomer, veterinary assistant or horse handler, then check our our Equine Science program! (NOTE: Our Equine Science degree includes a stronger science background, making it the best choice for students who may want to transfer their credits to a college or university where they can complete a bachelor's degree.)

Job outlook

As the number of horses continues to increase across the country, many job openings exist. It's predicted by Iowa Workforce Development that the number of equine jobs in Iowa and Central Iowa through 2018 may decline a bit, but that the number of jobs across the country will grow by 14,600.

It is the policy of Iowa Valley Community College District to provide equal educational and employment opportunities without discriminating on the basis of race, religion, color, creed, marital status, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or sex, in its educational programs, activities, practices and policies.